Nicki Minaj dismisses assault allegations by former assistant Brandon Garrett as false and frivolous

Nicki Minaj has forcefully denied allegations of assault and battery, as detailed in a lawsuit filed by her former assistant, Brandon Garrett. The 42-year-old rapper’s legal team has described the claims as “false and frivolous,” vowing to defend her reputation against what they say are baseless accusations.

The lawsuit, filed on Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court, accuses Minaj of striking Garrett during a heated exchange in her dressing room in 2023. The alleged incident reportedly occurred during her Pink Friday 2 tour stop in Detroit, stemming from a disagreement over an errand Garrett was tasked to complete.

According to the filing, tensions escalated when Garrett failed to respond to Minaj’s questions to her satisfaction, prompting the Super Freaky Girl artist to allegedly slap him. The complaint goes on to state that Garrett, concerned for his safety, filed a police report upon arriving in Chicago and requested police escort back to his hotel.

Minaj’s legal representative, Judd Burstein, has pushed back strongly against the claims. Speaking to Variety, Burstein noted that Minaj has not yet been officially served with the lawsuit and remains unaware of the specific allegations contained within it.

“However, if the lawsuit is as reported by TMZ, it is completely false and frivolous,” said Burstein. He further asserted confidence in Minaj’s legal position, adding, “We are certain that this matter, brought by a disgruntled ex-assistant, will be resolved swiftly and in Nicki’s favour.”

The controversy marks another legal hurdle for the globally renowned rapper, who has often found herself in the spotlight for reasons beyond her music. Known for her fierce personality and chart-topping hits, Minaj has built a career defined by unapologetic self-expression. However, such lawsuits can cast a shadow over her public image, particularly as she continues to promote her highly anticipated Pink Friday 2 album.

Garrett’s claims add to the list of challenges faced by Minaj during her storied career. Yet, the rapper’s fans—famously dubbed the “Barbz”—have already rallied behind her on social media, dismissing the lawsuit as an attempt to tarnish her reputation.

Legal experts note that while the allegations are serious, the absence of evidence such as witness testimonies or corroborating documentation could work in Minaj’s favour. High-profile cases like these often rely on public opinion as much as legal outcomes and Minaj’s swift and strong denial aims to protect her credibility.

The lawsuit comes at a time when Minaj is balancing her career with personal milestones. In recent years, she has spoken candidly about motherhood and the challenges of maintaining privacy while under intense public scrutiny. This latest development adds another layer of complexity to her already high-pressure lifestyle.

Garrett’s motivations for filing the lawsuit remain unclear, but Minaj’s team is treating the matter with urgency. “Nicki is focused on her work and her family,” said an unnamed source close to the rapper. “She has no time for baseless distractions and is confident that the truth will prevail.”

As the legal proceedings unfold, the entertainment industry will undoubtedly be watching closely. For now, Minaj’s supporters and detractors alike are left to speculate on the validity of the claims and the potential fallout for one of the most influential figures in music today.